If you have paid attention to the healthcare townhall meetings held across the nation this month, you know there is lots of fear surrounding the Obama administration's proposal to reform the way we receive health care in this nation. Those fears may or may not be justified.

Dear Editor, I am a primary care physician and have been practicing since 1989. I am very active in healthcare reform and I have a Web site (www.OurHealthReform.com) devoted to that reform. This is my second mass mailing to US newspapers in an effort to give a perspective that is not often offered: one from the mid-point of the reform spectrum.

Other industrialized nations provide universal health care, from Australia to Canada and Finland to Israel. Our Medicare and the Veterans Health Administration have demonstrated what can be done, even with a shortage of funding and focus.

Having read the story about the Columbus Country Club offering the nine holes on Military Road for the soccer complex, I have these thoughts. I applaud their offer and I hope the finances can be worked out because this is the best location for all and like the others, is much more desirable than Burns Bottom. I have reviewed the park Internet sites for both Tupelo and Starkville and Tupelo has 15 fields and Starkville has seven fields.

In the debate of the sale of alcohol, ensuring public safety should be a point which must not be taken lightly. In reviewing the data available as well as reviewing historical evidence and perspectives from neighboring communities, it is clear that relaxing the restrictions on alcohol sales does not pose an increased threat to the public and there is evidence that less stringent regulation may reduce risk.

The fear-mongering tactics employed by certain opponents of the proposed amendments to the alcohol ordinance are baseless and offensive. Starkville presently enjoys alcohol sales six days of the week. The idea that public health, safety, and welfare are endangered by an increase in the ability to purchase and responsibly consume alcohol on an additional day is completely unsubstantiated.

One of the first steps in promoting unity and harmony where differences and controversy exists is to find "common ground." Something that both sides can agree to. In the MUW name change conflict, there is one element that most thinking, caring friends of The W should be able to endorse. That is: We all want to see the university survive and once again thrive.

What’s in a name? A lot. It is who and what you are. When Claudia Limbert became President of Mississippi University for Women, it was a vibrant, cutting edge, small state supported school for both men and women.

Thanks again for your fair and balanced paper. I really enjoy it. I feel that the left-leaning columnists are balanced by the Web site e-mails and letters to the editor. Also, the mini news articles on the national and world scenes make for an excellent paper.

It has probably been puzzling to most people why there is a backlog of work in our city. For instance, why is it taking so long to fill pot holes in our streets? To name a few, 15th Avenue North, Eighth Street North and Eighth Avenue North.